NZ Beef Mince Now Over $24/kg as Export Demand Stays Strong
New Zealand consumers are paying more for beef mince than ever before, with the average retail price now sitting above $24 per kilogram, according to Rabobank.
After 24 burgers were delivered for a joint lunch with the Forestry Owners Association, the Board of Federated Farmers has given its thumbs-up to McDonald's Serious Lamb Burger.
"As a beef farmer who supplies Angus beef for McDonald's, I couldn't wait to get my hands on their Serious Lamb Burger," commented Federated Farmers President, Bruce Wills.
"My first impression of the burger is that it is huge and looks exactly like what's on the box
"When you bite into it, you unmistakably taste lamb and realise just how much effort McDonald's has put into cracking a difficult meat to cook. They have nailed the perfect lamb burger using export quality New Zealand lamb.
"You can say we have now given the burgers a serious workout with our taste buds.
"To me it is a complete meal. You've got egg, tomato, rocket and beetroot with a sauce that enhances the flavour of lamb. After eating one, you certainly feel rewarded.
"The Board of Federated Farmers is genuinely enthused with what McDonald's is doing for Kiwi lamb.
"When you drive past any McDonald's you see lamb written loud and proud. As a sheep farmer it is heartening, especially given the latest schedule prices.
"These burgers and snack wraps are a great way of turning on a new generation's taste buds to what lamb is and could be. That to us is the big positive of McDonald's involvement," Wills concluded.
National’s much-touted free trade deal with India featured in the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek, Hamilton on Wednesday night.
New Zealand's 2026-27 freshwater fishing season has opened, with anglers encouraged to head to rivers and lakes over the coming days as conditions look favourable across much of the country.
Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.
Pāmu has released its FY26 Integrated Annual Report, reporting a Net Operating Profit of $113 million, more than double the $49 million recorded in FY25.
Meat Industry Association data, released alongside the Red Meat Sector conference in Wellington, shows export value climbing across the US, China, UK and Canada.
Applications are set to open for the 2027 Zanda McDonald Award, a trans-Tasman award recognised for identifying and fast-tracking talented young leaders in agriculture and agribusiness.

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